Tunnello is a relatively new browser VPN extension for the Google Chrome web browser that is currently in beta and thus offered for free.
The extension works similar to how other VPN extensions for Google Chrome work: install the extension, sign-up for a free account, and start using the service in the browser afterwards.
Note: Tunnello is in beta currently which means that you may use it without limitation. The company behind the product has not released any pricing information yet. It seems likely that it will limit the free version once the service leaves beta. We will update the review when that happens to reflect the change.
Tunnello browser VPN for Google Chrome
You control Tunnello using the icon that the extension adds to the Google Chrome toolbar upon installation.
A left-click on the icon displays options to connect or disconnect from one of the available services. In fact, those are the only options of the interface.
Tunnello has servers in 14 regions of the world that you can connect to. Those regions include the United States, Japan, Germany, France, Canada, the United Kingdom and Spain.
To connect to any server, simply select it and hit the go button afterwards. The connection is established quickly and Tunnello lists switches the interface to a disconnect button.
First thing you may want to do whenever you start using a new VPN is to check whether it is leaking any information (e.g. your real IP).
A quick test on IP Leak confirmed that Tunnello does not leak the local IP when the browser is connected to the service.
A click on the settings icon in Chrome lists one option right now that is enabled by default. It disables WebRTC leaks in the browser when connected to the VPN. It is highly recommended to keep the setting enabled.
I ran several speed tests afterwards using various servers. While I was not able to max out my line, a 50/10 Mbit connection, I managed to get between 20 to 25 Mbps download and between 7 and 9 Mbps upload on all servers.
This is sufficient for most activities on the Internet. As far as those are concerned, all worked fine and without issues.
While I did not verify if services such as Netflix, Pandora or Hulu are accessible when connected to the US server, I confirmed that live TV from around the world could be streamed without issues.
BBC channels worked in the UK, as did Dutch and Japanese TV.
Privacy
The Privacy Policy reveals that Tunnello stores session data for 30 days. Session data includes the IP address of the user, the Tunnello IP address the user’s device connected to, the start and stop date and time of the connection, and the total transfer rate in bytes.
It does not include content of communication, deep packet inspection, throttling or rate limiting.
We retain session data for 30 days to use with billing issues, troubleshooting, service offering evaluation, issues, and for handling crimes performed over the service.
Tunnello states furthermore that it does not resell information or hand over information unless ordered to do so by a court of justice.
Closing Words
Tunnello worked fine during tests. I experienced one temporary connection issue to servers in the US, but everything else worked without issues. The speed is fine and good enough to stream HD media or other demanding content.
Privacy is a bit of an issue with the recording of 30-days worth of connection data. If you need full, privacy, Tunnello is not for you. You may want to check out a service like Private Internet Access instead then which has a no-logging policy.
Now You: Do you use a browser VPN or a full one?